Fluke 07-444 User Manual

Nuclear Associates 07-444

Little Genius Scanning Densitometer

Operators Manual

Fluke Biomedical

Radiation Management Services

6045 Cochran Road Cleveland, Ohio 44139

440.498.2564

www.flukebiomedical.com/rms

Table of Contents

Section 1: Introduction................................................................................................ 1-1

1.1 Product Description ..................................................................................... 1-1

1.2 Specifications............................................................................................... 1-1

1.3 Receiving Inspection.................................................................................... 1-2

1.4 Storage ........................................................................................................ 1-2

1.5 Routine Cleaning ......................................................................................... 1-2

1.6 Procedures, Warnings, and Cautions .......................................................... 1-2

Section 2: Getting Started........................................................................................... 2-1

2.1 Power........................................................................................................... 2-1

2.2 Controls ....................................................................................................... 2-1

2.3 Display ......................................................................................................... 2-1

2.4 RS-232 Interface.......................................................................................... 2-1

2.5 Operating Modes ......................................................................................... 2-2

Section 3: Functional Description .............................................................................. 3-1

3.1 Optical Density Measurement...................................................................... 3-1

3.2 Calculation Of Significant Values................................................................. 3-1

3.3 Displaying Data............................................................................................ 3-2

3.4 Data Logging ............................................................................................... 3-3

3.5 Data Retrieval .............................................................................................. 3-3

3.6 Data Reporting............................................................................................. 3-3

3.7 Setup Program Functions ............................................................................ 3-4

3.8 Calibration.................................................................................................... 3-4

Section 4: Setup........................................................................................................... 4-1

4.1 Entering a Facilities Title.............................................................................. 4-2

4.2 Clearing The Data Log................................................................................. 4-2

4.3 Setting Communication Parameters ............................................................ 4-3

4.4 Log Setup .................................................................................................... 4-5

4.5 Sending Data To The Output Port ............................................................... 4-8

4.6 Step Wedge Type ........................................................................................ 4-8

4.7 D Log E Setup ............................................................................................. 4-9

4.8 Step Wedge Type – Nuclear Associates.................................................... 4-14

4.9 Step Wedge Type - X-Rite ......................................................................... 4-14

4.10 Selecting the Appropriate Film Guide ........................................................ 4-17

4.11 Selecting The Step Wedge Type ............................................................... 4-17

4.12 X-Rite Scanning Technique ....................................................................... 4-17

Section 5: Operation.................................................................................................... 5-1

5.1 Single Step Measurements.......................................................................... 5-1

5.2 Automatic 21-Step Measurements............................................................... 5-2

5.3 Displaying Logged Data............................................................................... 5-3

5.4 Reporting Logged Data................................................................................ 5-4

5.5 Printing A D Log E Curve............................................................................. 5-5

5.6 Printing Control Charts................................................................................. 5-5

Section 6: Calibration .................................................................................................. 6-1

Section 7: Maintenance and Troubleshooting........................................................... 7-1

7.1 General ........................................................................................................ 7-1

7.2 Photo Head Alignment................................................................................. 7-1

7.3 Displayed Error Messages........................................................................... 7-2

7.4 Battery Replacement ................................................................................... 7-3

7.5 Lamp Replacement...................................................................................... 7-3

7.6 Replacement Parts ...................................................................................... 7-3

Introduction

Product Description

Section 1

Introduction

1.1 Product Description

The Model 07-444 Little Genius scanning densitometer is designed to be used with a Nuclear Associates sensitometer to monitor film-processing performance. Little Genius is a battery and/or line operated unit capable of automatically scanning 21 Step films and making single point density measurements.

The Little Genius measures and displays the step densities of a 21-step film. It calculates and displays base + fog, maximum density, speed index, average gradient, relative speed and contrast index of the processed film.

Model 07-444 allows the user to label and store measurement data for up to 20 film processors. The measurements can be downloaded to an IBM PC compatible computer or printer via the RS-232 interface, located on the back panel of the units.

The stand-alone or graphics mode with its control chart features provides a quick method for tracking daily film processor performance. Control chart values for 31 daily measurements with up to 20 processors can be stored in the Little Genius. Control charts may be as either index or gradient values. Control charts and D log E curves may be output directly to a printer via the RS-232 interface.

1.2 Specifications

Film Measures Model 07-417 or X-Rite Model 21-step sensitometer format in

scan mode.

Range (Density) 0 to 4.0 OD

Accuracy (Density) 0 to 3 OD ± 0.02 OD units; .3.0 OD to 4.0 OD ± 1%

Repeatability (Density) ± 0.02 OD units

Power Line: 110 VAC with AC power converter

Part 14-301 (USA, Japan) Input: 117 VAC, 60 Hz, 12 W Output: 9 VDC, 500 mA

Part 14-399 (Europe) Input: 230 VAC, 50 Hz Output: 9 VDC, 500 mA, 4.5 VA

Part 14-415 (UK) Input: 230 VAC, 50 Hz, 12.6 VA Output: 9 VDC, 680 mA

Part 14-415, Part 14-416 (Australia)

Battery Six (6) 1.5 V alkaline

Displayed Message “Low Battery” Battery is below threshold unit will not operate - Replace

Batteries

Spectral Response Centered at approximately 540 nm

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Aperture Size 1.0 and 2.0 mm

Operating Conditions 10°C to 40°C (50°F to 104°F)

Maximum humidity of 90% non-condensing

Dimensions (H x W x D) 2.75 in x 3.2 in x 7.1 in (7 cm x 8.1 cm x 18 cm)

1.3 Receiving Inspection

Upon receipt of the unit:

1. Check the shipping carton(s) and their contents for in-shipment damage. If damage is evident, file a claim with the carrier and notify Fluke Biomedical at 440.248.9300.

2. Check that all items listed on the packing slip are present and in good condition. If any items are missing or damaged, contact Fluke Biomedical at 440.248.9300.

1.4 Storage

If necessary to store the unit prior to use, pack it in the original container(s), if possible, and store in an environment free of corrosive materials, fluctuations in temperature and humidity, and vibration and shock.

1.5 Routine Cleaning

Do not immerse the Model 07-444 Miniscan Scanning Densitometer. The unit is not waterproof. Liquid could damage the circuits. The unit should be kept clean and free from dirt and contamination. The unit may be cleaned by wiping with a damp cloth using any commercially available cleaning or decontaminating agent.

1.6 Procedures, Warnings, and Cautions

The equipment described in this manual should be used only by persons who have been trained in the proper interpretation of its readings.

Although the equipment described in this manual is designed and manufactured in compliance with all applicable safety standards, certain hazards are inherent in the use of electronic and radiometric equipment.

WARNINGS and CAUTIONS are presented throughout this document to alert the user to potentially hazardous situations. A WARNING is a precautionary message preceding an operation that has the potential to cause personal injury or death. A CAUTION is a precautionary message preceding an operation that has the potential to cause permanent damage to the equipment and/or loss of data. Failure to comply with WARNINGS and CAUTIONS is at the user's own risk and is sufficient cause to terminate the warranty agreement between Fluke Biomedical, Radiation Management Services and the customer.

Adequate warnings are included in this manual and on the product itself to cover hazards that may be encountered in normal use and servicing of this equipment. No other procedures are warranted by Fluke Biomedical. It shall be the owner's or user's responsibility to see to it that the procedures described here are meticulously followed, and especially that WARNINGS and CAUTIONS are heeded. Failure on the part of the owner or user in any way to follow the prescribed procedures shall absolve Fluke Biomedical and its agents from any resulting liability.

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Introduction

Procedures, Warnings, and Cautions

Indicated battery and other operational tests must be performed prior to each use to assure that the instrument is functioning properly. If applicable, failure to conduct periodic performance tests in accordance with ANSI N323-1978 (R1983) Radiation Protection Instrumentation Test and Calibration, paragraphs 4.6 and 5.4, and to keep records thereof in accordance with paragraph 4.5 of the same standard, could result in erroneous readings or potential danger. ANSI N323-1978 becomes, by this reference, a part of this operating procedure.

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Getting Started

Power

Section 2

Getting Started

2.1 Power

The Scanning Densitometers may be powered by batteries (with six 1.5 V alkaline batteries) or by AC line power. An AC adapter is supplied with each unit. Connection for the adapter is located on the rear panel of the unit.

2.2 Controls

The Little Genius Scanning Densitometer has four top panel controls:

1. An OFF/ON Power Switch.

2. A Push-button. (UP arrow)

3. A Push-button. (DOWN arrow)

4. An ENTER Push-button.

The Power Switch turns instrument power ON or OFF. When power is turned ON, the unit performs an instrument self-check. When power is turned OFF, the unit saves all parameters and values entered during the setup procedure.

Refer to Section 4 - Setup for procedures for entering setup values and parameters.

The Push-button scrolls down through menu selections. The Push-button scrolls up through menu selections. The ENTER Push-button accepts the displayed selection, parameter, value, etc.

NOTE

2.3 Display

A single-line, 16-character LCD Display displays measurement data, calculated values, and user instructions.

2.4 RS-232 Interface

Access to the RS-232 Interface is via a phone jack located on the backside of the case top of the densitometer. The interface is compatible with an IBM-compatible personal computer or a serial printer. Connection to a parallel printer requires the use of a serial to parallel converter. The RS-232 connector pinouts are listed in Table 2-1. Communication Parameters are set through the Setup Program (refer to Section 4 - Setup).

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2.5 Operating Modes

Setup Mode

The Setup Mode allows the user to:

• Make a single point measurement

• Enter a Facility Title

• Calibrate the unit with a step wedge

• Clear the data log

• Set RS-232 and other communication parameters

• Set Graphics mode and control chart parameters

• Enter information into the data log

• Send all logged data out the communication port

Section 4 - Setup contains detailed information about the Setup Mode and specific setup procedures.

Table 2-1. RS-232 Connector Pinouts (DB-9 Pin)

Pin Signal

2 3 8 6,4 5

Transmit Output Receive Input DTR (Data Terminal Ready) Output DSR (Data Set Ready) Input Ground Signal

Single Measurement Mode

The Single Measurement Mode allows the user to make single step density measurements. The procedure for making a single step measurement is outlined in Section 5 - Operation.

Scan Mode

The Scan Mode is the normal mode of operation for the Little Genius densitometer. Using this mode, measurements of sensitometry films can be made and the results calculated, displayed, and stored for later reference. Specific procedures for performing the Scan Mode functions are outlined in Section 5 -

Operation.

Automatic Power down Mode

The densitometer automatically switches to a Power down Mode when there is no user interaction (i.e., pressing keys) for a period of ten (10) minutes. This is a power conserving function and does not affect the data stored in memory.

To reactivate the densitometer, turn the unit OFF and then back ON.

NOTE

The Automatic Power down function is NOT activated when the densitometer receives power through the AC Power Converter.

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Functional Description

Optical Density Measurement

Section 3

Functional Description

This Section provides an overview of the functions performed by the Little Genius. Table 3-1 provides an explanation of some of the terms used throughout this Instruction Manual.

3.1 Optical Density Measurement

The primary function of the Little Genius is to measure the optical density of test film that has been exposed on a Nuclear Associates or X-Rite sensitometer. This consists of “21 step” measurements and a base + fog measurement. The Densitometer is also capable of single-point measurements. In the single measurement mode, the film is manually positioned with continuous display update.

3.2 Calculation of Significant Values

The Little Genius uses the readings taken during a measurement cycle to calculate/determine:

• Average Gradient

• Relative Speed

• Contrast Index

• Speed Index

• Maximum optical density

BF + AG

()

AG =

Average Gradient (AG) is defined as:

RL =

Relative Speed (RS) is defined as:

Calculating Average Gradient (AG) and Relative Speed (RS) is performed as follows:

1. Calculate (BF + AG Hi OD), (BF + AG Lo OD), and (BF + 1.0) where:

BF = Base Fog value.

AG Hi OD =

AG Lo OD =

2. Using interpolation if necessary, find the log relative exposure (LRE) corresponding to the each of

3. Determine AG and RL using the values calculated in Steps 1 and 2 in the appropriate equation.

LRE

()

BF+ 2.0

LRE

()

BF +10

the values calculated in Step 1.

HiOD

− BF + AG

()

− LRE

()

LoOD

BF +0.25

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The Contrast Index is defined as the density difference between the low contrast reference step and high contrast reference step, a second point near the top of the straight-line portion of the curve. For most film screen combinations, the High contrast reference point is step number 13 or 14, and the Low contrast reference point is step 8.

The Speed Index density step is that step which produces a density closest to 1.0 above base + fog. For most film screen combinations, the Speed Index is step number 10 or 11 and represents a density of approximately 1.20. The same step is used for all measurements using the same film type.

The speed reference step and contrast reference steps for each file in the data log is set from the Setup Program (refer to Section 4 - Setup).

3.3 Displaying Data

When operating the Little Genius in the stand-alone mode (i.e., Control Charts on), an automatic comparison is made between the control chart items and the control chart limits defined in the chart file. A value that exceeds its limit is flagged with either an "H" if the value is high or an "L" if the value is low. When this condition is detected Chart Rng Error is displayed. See the Control Chart Setup on page 4-9 for further details.

On completion of a measurement cycle, the following values are available for display using the ∆ and ∆ front panel keys:

1. The Density Value at each of the 21 steps, displayed as:

∆

Step XX X.XX

2. The base + fog value, displayed as:

Base + Fog X.XX

∆

Table 3-1. Explanation of Terms

Term Explanation

Densitometer

Optical Density Base + Fog (BF) Inherent density of a processed film plus additional density due to age or

Speed Index Contrast Index Density difference between contrast reference point (generally Step 13 or 14) and

Sensitometer Step Wedge Step tablet; wedge which provides varying optical densities, each marked with a

RS LRE Log Relative Exposure; related to Step No. for Nuclear Associates step wedge

max.

Instrument which measures optical density of exposed X-Ray film.

Diffuse transmission density; measure of light blocked by exposed film.

environmental conditions. Density step with optical density closest to 1.00 + BF; generally Step 10 or 11.

speed index. Instrument used with a step wedge to precisely expose X-Ray film.

step number; the density of each step increases with increasing step numbers.

The Nuclear Associates step tablet provides 21 steps with a step marker at the mid-point of each step; Step No. relates to the log relative exposure as: Log Relative Exposure = Step No. X 0.15 Relative Speed.

as: Log Relative Exposure = Step No. X 0.15 Average Gradient.

Maximum Optical Density; largest optical density reading.

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Functional Description

Displaying Data

3. The contrast index value is displayed as:

Cnt Index X.XX.

4. The speed index value is displayed as:

Spd Index X.XX.

5. The maximum optical density value is displayed as:

Dmax X.XX

6. The average gradient is displayed as:

Ave Grad X.XX

7. The relative speed is displayed as:

Rel Speed X.XX

8. The temperature is displayed as:

Temp XXX.X.

3.4 Data Logging

The Model 07-444 Little Genius densitometer stores measurements and other related information for up to 20 film processors. The information is stored in a buffer file and is accessible for display and/or reporting. The data log is continuously battery backed-up and should be manually cleared prior to each series of new readings.

The control chart mode provides additional storage of up to 31 daily values for the chart items and related information for each of the 20 log files. The control chart files should be cleared prior to new baseline measurements. These files are used to provide control chart printouts.

3.5 Data Retrieval

All logged measurement data and calculated values that have been logged are available for display. Logged data can be scrolled through using the front panel keys.

3.6 Data Reporting

Data reporting can be setup as automatic or manual through the Setup Program (refer to Section 4 Setup).

1. In the automatic mode, data is automatically sent to the RS-232 port after the completion of each measurement cycle. The Temperature Entry prompt, if active in the Setup Mode, is ignored in the Automatic Mode (i.e., the user is not prompted to enter the Temperature prior to data transfer).

2. The user can initiate communication of selected data, either logged data or data for the last measurement cycle, by selecting Send Data using the front panel keys (refer to Section 5 - Operation for details).

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3.7 Setup Program Functions

Setup Mode Functions include:

• Making a single point measurement

• Entering a Facility Title

• Calibrating the optical density with a step wedge

• Clearing the data log

• Setting RS-232 and other communication parameters

• Entering information into the data log

• Setting the step wedge type

• Setting the graphics and control chart parameters

• Sending all logged data out the communication port

Detailed information and specific procedures available from the Setup Mode are outlined in Section 4 Setup.

3.8 Calibration

The calibration function, accessible through the Setup Program, allows the user to calibrate optical density using a reference step wedge (supplied with each unit). The calibration value is entered from the front panel and then read from the Reference Step Wedge. Refer to Section 6 - Calibration for more information.

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